Tuesday, June 19, 2012

England 1 - 0 Ukraine (full-time) UPDATED

England defending well as Ukraine are not getting any opening, and England had also the better the chances in the match. The match is shaping in the midfield, as with teams are trying to conquer that area. The England are looking calm to manage the game as they are looking to build play slowly, with whistles from the Ukrainian fans. Perhaps the worst player until the half in this match has been Wayne Rooney, as his touch is still not that good. Ukraine needs a win, to pass, and until this time the France-Sweden match is also 0-0. Ukraine had a chance from Konoplianka but his effort was well blocked by John Terry. Rooney was presented with a chance to open the score as Ashley Young made a cross, but Rooney's header went incredibly wide, when he should have hit the back of the net. Rooney have not scored in major tournaments with England from 2004, so he needs to score to stop this record. Yarmolenko was also presented with a chance but his shot was weak and Joe Hart grabbed the ball easily. James Milner needs also to improve as his passes are sloppy, giving possession far too cheaply. The final chance was presented to Parker but his shot ended near the corner flag.

2nd Half

England continued their defending well, especially after they scored the goal.In fact the half barley started when Steven Gerrard made good work from the wing, crossed a beautiful ball, Piatov did not hold the ball, and Rooney scored an easy goal, to put England in front and only putting them first in the group.

Ukraine responded immediately when Hart put the ball in a corner. England counter-attack was proving to be dangerous as England were taking advantage from them, were possession was being kept. Rooney could have scored a second when a clearance by Gerrad put Rooney through, but the defense recovered, passed the ball to Milner, but his shot ended over the bar. England got the good news from Sweden as Ibrahimovic scored a beautiful goal, to put Sweden in front, while France will be runners-up of the group. Ukraine had a golden chance to equalize but incredibly Milevskiy headed over the bar from just a few yards outside the goal. Ukraine pressed more and they had a goal which is questionable as replays showed that it may have passed over the line. Rooney could have also scored with a header from the far post but his header went straight to Piatov's hands. The goal-scorer of the match was substituted late in the match by Chamberlain, with the few England fans supporting the player. Oxlade-Chamberlain could have scored immediately from a counter-attack, but his pass towards Walcott was done way too late.